FIVE WAYS STUDENTS CAN SPEND THEIR CHRISTMAS MONEY

We all know our lives as students aren’t our most prosperous. At this stage, we are responsible for most areas in our lives in terms of expenses. Working a part-time or casual job doesn’t bring in much revenue for luxuries, and even the essentials at times.

This is why we wait in anticipation for times like Christmas when we are given extra money and vouchers from our loved ones. More funds are added to our holiday total by working on public holidays and getting extra shifts so businesses can keep up with the crowds.

This year we have a few ideas of how we can spend our Christmas presents wisely, and just in time for the post-Christmas sales.

Stationery and Textbooks

These are an essential for any student in any course. It would be impossible for you to get those high distinctions without the appropriate writing and reading material.

We don’t have to tell you that textbooks are expensive. Most units will require at least one (which is most likely written by your lecturer, so you can bet that it will be mentioned regularly during your classes). Student VIP allows you to buy your textbooks at a cheaper price than your overpriced on-campus store. On a side note, you are also able to sell your old textbooks and study notes, and therefore raise your holiday cash pool. Other reading material, such as novels and autobiographies for our fellow book worms, can be purchased at a discounted price from the Book Depository. It’s also worth mentioning that they offer free delivery to a number of countries worldwide.

A lot of people use their stationery as another accessory. They are often attracted to the most stylish designs, rather than the cheaper option. The planners that are already set out for you are also hard for the organisation-obsessed to ignore. This leads to you splashing out more money than you should. You can buy a couple of notebooks and a bunch of pens, pencils and a variety of other types of stationery you may need for a cheaper price at Coles, Woolworths, Target or Big W. Try using one of your new notebooks to create your own planner using the bullet journal system.

Electronics

Electronics are one of the main departments that are most likely to slash their prices after Christmas. They are keen to get rid of old stock so they have room to welcome in the new stock. The government has ensured that students are able to get Microsoft Office for free, but don’t you need something to install it onto?

That’s where the computer companies come in. Student Edge provides students will discounts on Macs and iPads, while JB Hi FI has discounts on Surface products.

Clothing

Much like electronics, it’s out with the old and in with the new. New trends are always coming with each season and the stores like to keep up to date. If you are not one of those people who like to stick to their fashionable ways on campus, there are always parties, functions and nights out that require you to look your best, such as New Year’s Eve celebrations.

ASOS, which has a student ambassador program, looks after students which offers a 10% discount on their full priced products for the duration of their course. Likewise, other stores like The Iconic, City Beach and Cotton On Body offer a 15% discount to UniDAYS members. It’s a good idea to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Boxing Day Sales by buying online.

Catch ups

Catching up with friend outside your classes can be difficult for students. You need to work with study schedules, work shifts and other commitments, so it can be near impossible to meet up regularly without an enormous amount of effort. It’s a good idea to use the gaps in your schedule that the holidays bring to get your mates together and have some fun.

Of course using the holidays as an excuse to treat yourself is a great option. You’ve worked hard this year, you’ve deserved it. If you don’t want to break your saving streak, however, there are a few cheaper ideas. After checking out Student Edge, we found deals you can share with your friends, such as $13 movie tickets and AMF bowling for $15.

You can also suggest going on a trip together to celebrate the end of the year, which takes us to our next category.

Holiday

With the extended break the uni holidays bring, it’s a great opportunity for you to open up your mind to the world around you and find new places to discover. The extra money Christmas provides could be the funds you need to reach your goal so you can finally take a trip with your friends.

You don’t need to shell everything you’ve saved. Figure out ways to save money before you board the plane. Student Flights offers cheaper deals and advice for students wanting to travel. You can also consider saving money on accommodation by staying with a friend or trying out a hostel or an Airbnb, as long as the option you take is safe and reliable.

If planes aren’t your thing, there’s nothing wrong with a good old road trip. Round up a few friends who are willing to share petrol costs or pitch up to rent a car or caravan and see what you can discover in our beautiful country.

The Shine Team wish all of our wonderful customers a very Merry Christmas. We hope you’re ready for the big moments ahead of you in 2017. Make sure you keep your Shine+ supply topped up as we enter the new year.

WORDS BY JESSICA TESTA